The governor told Channel 2's Richard Elliot that he announced the declaration Thursday afternoon so people and businesses can prepare for the upcoming storm.

“I am issuing this executive order to implement protective measures to ensure the public health, preserve the safety of the public, keep property damage to a minimum and to minimize the social and economic impacts of this event on the citizens of Georgia,” Deal said in a news release. “We will continue monitoring the forecast models and make appropriate adjustments as necessary. Georgians should stay calm, make the appropriate preparations and stay aware of a potential change in weather conditions.”

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley also issued a state of emergency effective at 7 a.m. Friday for all of the state's counties.